Notes: 81 people responded to this year’s DMP – up from last year. The results? We had our first repeat winner in the history of the poll – Arcade Fire, which topped 2007’s poll with their last album, The Neon Bible. It was a tight race again this year, with many people putting three or four of the top five on the same list. For those who track such things, this was the third time Arcade Fire made the top ten, and the second visit for The National, Kanye West, LCD Soundsystem, and Vampire Weekend. Mumford & Sons charted the highest debut. MGMT only got two votes, but if more of you had listened to Florence + the Machine last year, odds are she would have won last year’s poll. Maybe if she releases a new album this year she’ll take the crown.

Me, Dancing On My Own

The top three are rather close together.

(1) Robyn, Body Talk (Parts 1, 2, and 3)

Skip the first song of the first E.P. – great title (“Don’t F***ing Tell Me What To Do”), not so great song. But. man, after that, it’s three albums of pure pop pleasure. Robyn owned my iPod this year, no contest. I was always in the mood for her. And, bizarrely, the songs are just as fun on the 100th listen as they were on the 1st. (With the exception that I now know she’s slurring the word “girl” in “Dancing on My Own” and not saying “guy” – R.I.P. gender confusion.) I will confess that I expected a creative dip on part three, but then she went and hit me with “Time Machine” and “Call Your Girlfriend”. I don’t understand why she isn’t at the top of the pop charts, but at the same time I’m glad she’s not, so there can be a not-so-secret society of us admirers. Pop is at its best when it goes for the honest truths in an honest way. And for that alone, Robyn takes the crown this year.

Miraculously, The National make a follow-up that’s almost as amazing at Boxer, my album of the year from two years ago. I feel like The National have followed through on all of the feelings I had for R.E.M. when I was in college – absorbing music, lyrics that are cryptic in an interesting way, phrases that crash well on the swell of the tune.

Best tracks: “Bloodbuzz, Ohio” “Terrible Love”

(3) Jonsi, Go

A hard thing to admit: I think I like Jonsi’s solo album even more than any of Sigur Ros’s albums. There’s an element of bright color that’s here that I found utterly captivating – whenever I found myself wandering this year, this was the soundtrack I wanted. One of my big regrets this year is that I somehow managed to be out of town every time he played NYC

Best tracks: “Go Do”, “Boy Lilikoi”, “Animal Arithmatic”

And the other essentials are:

(4) Vampire Weekend, ContraIn a weaker year, this could’ve been a #1. Just as good as the first album. Best tracks: “Horchata”, “Giving Up the Gun”

(5) Katy Perry, “Teenage Dream”, “Firework”, and “California Gurls”

The rest of the album is nothing special, but any collection that includes these three songs deserves some sort of nod. So I am bending the rule a little to include three singles that alone were as good as most albums I heard this year.

(6) Kate Nash, “My Best Friend is You”

Some critics really didn’t like this, but I really did. Granted, one of the songs (I think it was called “Mansions” – I deleted it from my iTunes”) was the most unlistenable thing released by an artist I like who isn’t named Liz Phair. But the rest of the songs held up to many, many listens. Is it much different from Nash’s tart-slice-of-life debut? Not really. But I’m happy to listen to more of the same, with some sonic inventiveness every now and then.

Among many others I wanted to include:Eminem--Recovery Justin Townes Earle—Harlem River Blues Mavis Staples—You Are Not Alone Broken Bells--Broken Bells

And I always like The Arcade Fire and Sufjan Stevens, but their albums didn't seem super revolutionary (for them) this year....

Patrick R., Wizard of Adz

Hands-down, the album I was most excited about in 2010 was Sufjan Steven's THE AGE OF ADZ.

Kate H., God Willin’

My essential album for 2010 is Ray LaMontagne - God Willin' And the Creek Don't Rise (even though I just got it last month). My "2010 albums I haven't bought yet but desperately want" are The Black Keys - Brothers and Four Tet - There is Love In You. The "song that I can't not dance to" is definitely "Tightrope" by Janelle Monae, and the "albums that didn't come out this year, but came into heavy rotation at my house in 2010" are Florence + the Machine - Lungs, Grizzly Bear - Vecktamist, Lady Gaga - Fame/The Fame Monster, and The National - Boxer.

I'd better stop there or we'll be here all day.

Andrea C. Goes National

I'm going with Best Album: The National - High Violet with Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More and Broken Bells coming in close second and third.

I can't pick just one Best Single (too much love), but here are some faves: Sufjan Stevens - I Walked (I love this song, but sadly am not a fan of the rest of the album), Jonsi - Boy Lilikoi, The National - England, Cloud Cult - Running with the Wolves, Janelle Monae - Wondaland, Yeasayer - O.N.E., Beck & Bat for Lashes - Let's Get Lost

After languishing in record label limbo (and perhaps benefiting from the long gestation period), 2010 finally saw the release of the OutKast member's solo record. With rubbery beats and a funk backbone descended from Bootsy Collins and the Godfather (the title references the southern slang phrase "gettin' out on the good foot" and, no doubt, James himself), Big Boi kept bottoms bouncing.

How to Dress Well, Love Remains

An album that sounds like it was recorded underwater, the sounds just seem to surface before being washed back under the waves. Much has been made of Tom Krell's R&B interests, and this deconstruction of the genre, filtering it through indie rock's lo-fi lens (with echoes of William Baskinski's Disintegration Loops), produced one of the most haunting and haunted records of the year.

JJ, Kills

A Christmas gift from JJ, this mixtape places Elin Kastlander's ethereal voice over beats by Dre, et al. It's goofy and and somehow a lot more fun than their official release of 2010, No3, which would have made this list if it weren't for this more enjoyable record.

Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

While there's no ranking on this list, make no mistake. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy tops the charts (as evidenced by the artwork, above). A baroque exploration into West's psyche that proves more is more, this album is relentless in its pursuit of ideas, browbeating one into submission. It didn't quite hit me on the first listen (though my mother actually commented that she liked one of the songs), it grabbed my ears and still hasn't let go after I watched the 30 minute video for "Runaway." Somehow, I love even the songs I don't like. The only album I actually purchased on vinyl this year (even tho it's already on backorder after having dropped on Tuesday).

Nicki Minaj, Barbie World (The Mixtape)

Before showing up all over Kanye West's album (and releasing an album of her own) Minaj set the stage with this mixtape. Barbie World manages to bring back Aqua and Annie Lennox in the span of the first two tracks. Maybe it's the nostalgia that those tracks garner or maybe that it manages to burnish the reputation of tracks I had all but forgotten when resequenced in this mixtape, but it poised Minaj to take over.

Robyn, Body Talk Pt. 1

In a year that saw no less than three EPs by pop queen Robyn (plus an LP that cherry-picks tracks from the three), my favorite continued to be the first EP. Driven by the propulsive "Dancing on My Own" (in a version I prefer over that released on the album) followed the rocking "Cry When You Get Older" I found myself returning again and again to this introduction to the pop project that Robyn would be working on through the year.

The Tallest Man on Earth, The Wild Hunt

Kristian Matsson's second album manages to improve on his first as he steps more firmly out from under Bob Dylan's shadow and into his own. The slightly ragged production highlights his voice and the sparse arrangements, leaving space for the sentiment contained therein to burrow into your emotional subconscious.

Wild Nothing, Gemini

The promise and release of summer run through this album, which manages to hit so many dream-pop touchstones and references that it would take paragraphs to outline them all. High school memories abound. I just want to get in my car and drive on empty roads thorugh wide open spaces, top down, radio up.

++++++++++++++Favorite tracks of 2010

Drake "Karaoke" from Thank Me Later An easy-going synth jam that speaks to the difficulties of relationships, I found myself listening to this on those long evening bus rides through the various parts of the world.

The Dream, "Yamaha" from Love King The type of jam Prince would have tossed off in the 80s (I would die 4 u?, maybe?) it captures the thrill and excitement of street club love.

Iyaz "Replay" from Replay Before trying to lay claim to an autotuned Chris Brown on his album, Iyaz released this single with a difficult melodic line that winds its way around chorus. The tricky melody hooked me and didn't let me go for weeks. Just ask Karen.

Justin Bieber, "Baby" from My World 2.0 Somehow, when Michael Jackson sang in his pre-teens he already had managed to exhude a certain amount of bass and sex and danger. Not so, Beiber, who is all treble and puppy love. Still, this pop confection managed captivate my aural sweet tooth. The Luda appearance rapping about his 13-year old first love seems, well, ludicrous, but somehow it all adds up to the fun.

Kanye West, "Runaway" from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Opening with a single repeated piano note that suggests Terry Riley's "In C" on prozac, "Runaway" builds into an a dark heavy indictment of his own failings. And just when you think it might be over along comes a coda reminiscent of Eric Clapton's "Layla" or B.Fleischmann's hidden cover of "Torn" at the End of Pop Loops For Breakfast. It's over indulgent and over the top but like almost everything else on the album it works magically and majestically.

LCD Soundsystem "All I Want" from This Is Happening It's just a sliding guitar and a steady beat, but it comes together in such an amazing way that I found myself returning again and again to this song that was more of a "rock song" than the dance music for which they're known.Mos Dub, "History Town" from Mos Dub Max Tannone's mashup of Mos Def with dub reggae wasn't a total success for me, but I couldn't resist this combination of Mos with Desmond Dekker.

The New Pornographers, "Moves" from Together Crunching guitars lead to slightly off-beat keyboard ryhthms in this entry. It's a highly produced track, with a lot of aural tricks sprinkled throughout the track, and I thoroughly enjoyed them all. Unfortunately, the rest of the album didn't prove quite as memorable.

Nicki Minaj, "I Love You" from Barbie World Mixtape Maybe it's because I'm a sucker for the Annie Lennox sample that brings me back to my first year in NY or maybe it's just the sweetness in the lyrics, but this track managed to keep my heart in thrall and my hopes held high for the coming year.

Rihanna, "What's My Name" from Loud Remember Ja Rule and Ashanti? Mesmerize? Something about this song takes me back to what I remember being the early days of rappers and R&B singer collaborations. At any rate, there's something about Rihanna's voice that I really love, and this song suggests the warm nights and late night relationships that keep the memory of summer alive in the cold winter months.

Robyn, "Dancing On My Own" from Body Talk Pt. 1 A driving song that commands your attention from the first pulsing synths, Robyn's fraught declarations of herself in the face of lost love are both painful and yet amazingly danceable. I prefer the version on the first Body Talk ep, but I can't argue with the album version either.

Shakira and Freshlyground, "Waka Waka" This year's World Cup saw Shakira joining forces with South African Afro-fusion band Freshlyground to create an anthem from which you couldn't run. My favorite parts are actually the Freshlyground verses and the highlife-ish guitars.

Tallest Man on Earth, "The Wild Hunt" from The Wild Hunt The beautiful (and somewhat Dylan-esque) opening track of that sets the stage for his latest album, it suggests the wide open cover art with just enough banjo to scratch that itch I have.

The Very Best "You Got The Love (remix)" I missed the XX boat last year (though I did see them in concert) but this remix brought them back to me with a Very Best bonus.Wild Nothing "Summer Holiday" from Gemini

For Fiona S., Life on Mars

No real order

1. Bruno Mars -- Doo-Wops and Hooligans2. Kanye West -- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy3. She and Him -- Volume 25. The Decemberists -- Hazards of Love and The King is Dead (okay one comes out in 2011 and the first one came out in 2009 but I discovered both end of the year. Love them!)

The rest of what I "discovered" is sort of old and embarrasing -- Like I never listened to Florence and the Machine until late in the year. I guess if it isn't on Glee . . .

Steven M., just Drawn this way

10. Sigh No More - Mumford and Sons: What a strong debut, from this London bluegrassy folk band. I haven't heard a record that sounded like this in a while, totally unique. The playing is great and the songs organically go places. I love the instrumentation, and can be really lyrically, vocally and instrumentally powerful. Love the banjo and upright bass. I'd love to hear them back Springsteen, remind me of a British Avett Bros.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REo7VnlenOA

9 A+B. Release Me - The Like; Pictures - Len Price 3: I couldn't choose between the two retro bands (playing original tunes), and they reminded me of a female/male version of each other, so they share the #9 slot. The Like are an LA all-girl band, not in the Bangles girl-band sense, but the Crystals/Ronettes sounding group. Why has it been so long since we've had that kind of group?Some of the finest American music are the Phil Spector-produced groups, I miss that! The songs are great - not surprisingly, two of the band members are daughters of Mitchell Froom and Pete Thomas! Very fun record, can't wait to see them on tour. The Len Price 3 are also a revelation, sounds like the Jam if Paul Weller left and was replaced by the combination of Joe Jackson and Dave Davies. Very British Invasion-Kinks era songs. Both are fun records andconsistently tight and good throughout.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUghPiEfd5Yhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42p2nERiNFkwow, their videos are cool, they deserveanother http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifAU55G92FE&feature=channelIt's

8. The Winter of Mixed Drinks - Frightened Rabbit. This record gets me fired up. Many thanks to Dan Jackson for getting me into this band, who hail from Selkirk, Scotland. The thick accents and damp sound would make this the ideal soundtrack to driving through the Northern UK. In the singer/songwriter's words, "The theme I'm going for is pushing yourself out to the edge of things and being alone, feeling lost and not knowing where you are, which is how I've felt recently. It's not all fun and games, but hopefully it'll just be less obviously personal and brutal than the last record."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzjERZU3wbY&feature=related

7. Big Echo - Morning Benders. Finally, a new local band I'm into. From Berkeley, my favorite local new band since the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. My favorite song of the year: http://vimeo.com/14568195

6. The Ghost Who Walks - Karen Elson: I'm not sure I've ever been as pleasantly surprised as I am with this one from Jack White's British model/musician wife, recorded in Nashville. A real interesting mood, helped and created by the unique instrumentation including organ, pedal steel, accordion and White himselfon drums. Each song is interesting - "old-timey", country, folky, gothic, and rocking, often at the same time. A prime example: "A Thief At My Door" (starts at 4:52, a Sandy Denny song before that) -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHqKxNDvxi0

5. History From Below - Delta Spirit. I have to thank my friend Darcy for getting me into this SoCal band, and for her, Stephen and Delta Spirit for getting me into their show at the Bottom of the Hill a few years back (editor's note: I"m a music whore). I was a fan of their last record, but this is a big step up. Musically, they're right up my alley, a bit alt.country, rock, americana. They have improved musically, both in playing and writing. This is the record Ryan Adams had been trying to make, and never was able to, in myopinion. The first side of the record is great, but I'd say it starts to run out of steam after "Scarecrow" - otherwise, no complaints. Really well paced and the songs go places, the tempos are perfectly chosen, I say that because some of the songs would have been ruined at incorrect pacing.http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/106301262

4. Black Sands - Bonobo: I've had this record up and down on the list all year, possibly because its sort of rainy-day moody. Bonobo, aka Simon Green, is a British DJ/Producer/Musician, who wisely hooked up with singer AudreyanaTriana, who sings 3 songs, which are all great. She does for this record what TinaDico/Robyn/Sia do for the Zero 7 records. Nevertheless, all of the grooves and beats are strong throughout on this, and includes some interestinginstrumentation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wxJu-X0zVo

3. Work - Shout Out Louds: I've been a fan since they put out "Howl Howl Gaff Gaff" (in my 2005 top 10). This record doesn't have the one really strong single, like "Very Loud," used so perfectly in "Nick and Norah's...", however, what it does have is consistently good songs and performances. It's unclear to me listening to their records how strong of musicians they are, since they don't solo. In fact, most of the guitar parts I could probably play despite my meager skills. But that doesn't stop them from having tasty licks and melodies which center the songs and create a ton of emotion. Also, I love how the singer creates so much emotion and passion, he's really skilled despite lacking the classic voice. Something about this band makes me think of a Swedish Cure without the histrionics, and I mean that as a compliment. I love the production choices they make - keeping things simple, but throwing in nice touches here andthere, like horns. http://www.shoutoutlouds.com/walls.html

2. Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook - Bettye LaVette. This record came out early in the year, and I saw the show at the Great American Music Hall in SF and love everything about it. The whole record is British classic rock covers, and because there is no original material, I can't classify this as a "classic." But that didn't stop me from keeping it in my listening rotation all year. Let's face it, these are the songs I was raised on. Whoever picked and arranged these tunes for her did an outstanding job. We all know they are great songs, but they are tweaked when need to be tweaked. Interestingly, during her show, she remarked she wasn't a fan of these tunes when they came out, as she was totally into her own music and soul music at the time. My favorite tracks are Zeppelin's "All My Love," Ringo's "It Don't Come Easy," (in my opinion, ahuge improvement from the original) and McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed." If you've never heard her sing, her voice, through years of gigs and hard work, is a force of nature (and as Shelagh says, like a hot cup of coffee). Apparently, this project came together after her performance of The Who's "Love Reign O'Er Me" at the Kennedy Center Honors, which is included in this set. You can see why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJi6maTueSc&feature=related

1. What I'm Thinking: Photographing Snowflakes - Badly Drawn Boy. I've been a fan of BDB/Damon Gough since I got "Bewilderbeast" and when I saw him dropkick a fan at SF's Bimbo's 365 Club ("I'm from Manchester!") on that tour. I pickedthis up after watching "About A Boy" for the umpteenth time recently. His music in that film is perfect. Anyway, I didn't know what to expect, not hearing much from him since that soundtrack. Apparently, this record is the first in a musical trilogy he plans on releasing, all to be released under the title It's What I'm Thinking. There's nothing radio-friendly on this, but I"m a big fan of "records," and this one is consistent throughout, sounds great, with greatsongwriting, consistency across the performances and moods, and I'm glad he's back with a big picture idea in an iTunes world. As a bonus, "You Lied" sounds like a 2010 version of "Don't Fear the Reaper," and I mean that as complement.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snmv5W9Wxxc

Phil B. rides the Suburbs

Essential Album -- Arcade Fire -- The Suburbs -- Start to finish, the best album of the year.

Video Experience -- The Google Chrome experiment with Arcade Fire's The Wilderness Downtown. Using Google Earth, your teen years home becomes the focal point of the video. http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/

Music Moment -- Deadmau5 as the resident DJ for the MTV Music Awards. Electronica goes full mainstream.

Gayle F.’s a Teen Dream

In this era of downloads, it is so rare for me to find a whole album that blows me away. Even my beloved Sufjan fell short last year. The only entire record I loved last year is Beach House's Teen Dream (how appropriate, no?). So that is my lone entry. Lots of songs I loved. But not many albums. I'm sure Kanye West will sweep it. Everyone else has gone mad over that album.

My favourite song off all of those has to be Joanna Newsom Baby Birch, 9 minutes of a wailing woman with a harp!

Reading your email reminded me of when we were just hanging out in your hotel room in Auckland talking about music, and I know if there are any bands on your list that I haven't heard of then I shall be heading straight for iTunes!

I keep trying to think of my 'most essential' album, I can only narrow it down to the most essential 4: Arcade Fire, Beach House, Jonsi and Sufjan.

5. Faithless, HomeThey still have it, and can show these new dj's how to do it

4. Yeasayer, Old BloodI keep playing this.

3. Broken Social Scene, Forgiveness Rock RecordI was moved to tears (twice) when I saw them in concert

2. The Drums, The DrumsHow could you not love these lyrics 'I see a beautiful flower. It was trampled on the ground. And it makes me think of you. How you used to be and how you are now.'

1. LCD Soundsystem, This is HappeningThe perfect album. It makes you want to dance, and the lyrics are smart and have heart.

Special mentions:

Best concert: Peaches at Hifi BarBest music festival: Splendor in the Grass. Special mention to Scissor Sisters on the Friday night. Lineup: http://splendourinthegrass.com/artist-lineup.htmlBest compilation: David Levithan, Spring 2010Biggest disappointment: Vampire Weekend, Contra. It was just more of the same, maybe they should have made us wait longer.Most anticipated of 2011: Cut Copy, Zonoscope

Number of concerts / festivals I'm going to between now and the end of March: 12

Matthue R. Used to Wait

Arcade Fire, The Suburbs. (I'm not even from the suburbs. I've never lived there and have no way, save a few memories of reading The Outsiders, to verify whether it really is this bleak and beautiful. But this album is.)

And:

Nikki Minaj, Barbie World (or any other non-Pink Friday mixtape) The Roots, How I Got Over Regina Spektor, Live in London Kim Boekbinder, Impossible Girl Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy They Might Be Giants, Here Comes Science

Best moment of music: Nicki Minaj switches between four different personas and about seven completely different vocal styles in under a minute during her guest appearance on Kanye's "Twisted Dark Fantasy." There are so many distinctive styles of genius in that moment, I can't even begin to fathom it. I think it's influenced my whole best-of list.

Best album of 2010 that wasn't actually in 2010: The Where the Wild Things Are soundtrack. Overflow from last year. Only realized it was awesome this year.

Best new album of 2010, according to my 3-year-old: The B-52's, Cosmic Thing. It's a new discovery if you were negative 20 years old when it came out.

Anica R. hits the Beach

Most essential:Gorillaz, Plastic Beach

Other essentials:Bonnie Prince Billy & The Cairo Gang, The Wonder Show of the WorldLCD Soundsystem, This Is HappeningSpoon, TransferenceRobyn, Body Talk

Eamon T.’s Night Work

Like I said last year, the era of the album seems to be over...this year was all about the Pop/Dance Hits for me...like...Rihanna's "Only Boy in the World"Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream"Robyn's "Dancing on my Own"&Mark Ronson & The Business International featuring Boy George and Andrew Wyatt's "Someone to Love Me"

Disappointments from 2010Paul Weller - Wake Up the Nation...total blah...sounds the same as always even with Kevin Shields on boardRichard Ashcroft's United Nations of Sound...terrible band name...even worse music. Disappointing considering I stuck with him through a spotty solo career.

Over It...Sorry...Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, and Kayne

Looking forward to in 2011Sophomore release from HimalayaPJ Harvey...always looking forward to moreLong overdue one from the StrokesBeady Eye...if the early tracks being released are any indication, their debut CD should be pretty great.

Cecil C. Whips Her Hair

I can't remember anything. But these came off the top of my head. So i'll just go with it.

1. Parting Gifts, Strychnine Dandelion ... Greg Cartwright teams with Coco Hames from The Ettes. As good as you might expect.

Also, of note ... I'm not sure what year this song was released but the best song I heard in 2010 is "M.R.E.s" by Black Sunday. I mean, holy shit. Easily the best thing ever written about Katrina. Not even a close second. Alicja Trout is an evil genius (do you hear me, Brant Rumble?) an evil genius.

Dan Pe. and his Girl Talk

Album of the year goes somewhat begrudgingly to Girl Talk's All Day (begrudging because this was the first year in a while that I didn't have a runaway favorite, and I think it's inferior to his last effort). Additional nods go to Release Me by The Like, Brothers by the Black Keys, The Winter of Mixed Drinks by Frightened Rabbit and The Archandroid by Janelle Monae. I haven't listened to Big Boi, Lil Wayne or Em's albums, so I'll abstain on hip hop rather than give it to Kanye on the strength of Power alone. But I'd probably give him song of the year for it.

My number one album for 2010 is Crazy For You by Best Coast. Cresting the wave of last Summer's "Chill Wave" beach rock sound, it hit the perfect blend of lo-fi grit and mellow crooning. Lead singer Beth Cosentino has the kind of frank, no nonsense charm that leaves ex-90's grunge boys like me weak in the knees. They'll need to evolve their sound if they want to be more than just the best example of a short-lived fad, but for me, Best Coast was the soundtrack to my Summer of 2010.

Although it's difficult for me to separate Crazy for You from another great Chill Wave album. King of the Beach, sophomore effort from Wavves, was surprisingly smart and catchy compared to their self-titled first album. And yet they still held on to the edgy trickster quality that made me like them in the first place.

But summer can't last forever and another music wave seems to be cresting. Grave Wave, Dark Wave, Nu Goth, or whatever you want to call it, is an interesting blend of classic 80's goth with the more recent indie lo-fi sound. At the top of the list in 2010 for this movement is Zola Jesus's album Stridulum II. Simple yet sprawling, it conjured up the perfect thoughtful melancholy for Fall.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention Fang Island's self-titled debut. A mostly instrumental rock band out of Brooklyn, they describe their sound as "everyone high-fiving everyone". It totally is, and if you are in need of an injection of triumphant w00ts, this is the album to pick up.

My guilty pleasure for 2010 was Body Talk Pt. 1 by Robyn. Indie music's dance hall pop darling is at her best on the first volume of an ambitious three volume staggered release. Parts 2 and 3 were somewhat of a let down, but Part 1 perfectly expresses her early Madonna meets Ani Difranco vibe.

My surprise album of 2010 was a tie. Joanna Newsom's Have One On Me was a departure from her usual discordant folk strangeness. She seems to be channeling Joni Mitchell's Blue album, adding her own high concept design and trademark quirk. How I Got Over by the Roots is probably one of the most well made albums I've heard in a long time. It's obvious that playing every day together on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon has turned them into a band that knows exactly what they do and how to do it right.

Honorable mentions to some sophomore efforts that I enjoyed a lot but felt had no real growth from the previous album:The Winter of MIxed Drinks, Frightened RabbitContra, Vampire WeekendCrystal Castles 2010, Crystal Castles

Alaya J walks the Tightrope

Most essential album:

The Archandroid, Janelle Monae (I thought her EP Metropolis: The Chase Suite was one of the coolest things I'd ever heard and then she just did it one better. Probably the best all around performer--dancer, singer, time-traveling robot--around today.)

Other very awesome albums:

So Runs The World Away, Josh Ritter ("The Curse" is especially amazing)Contra, Vampire WeekendThe Age of Adz, Sufjan Stevens (so I'm not entirely sure about this one yet, but I feel like I should at least acknowledge its ambition)Dream Attic, Richard ThompsonHigh Violet, The NationalOdd Blood, Yeasayer

Apparently I no longer live in the present (or am just getting old)… Literally, this may be the only album I bought this year that was actually released this year:

Black Angels, Phosphene DreamSo I guess that’s most essential

Favorite pop single of the year:P!nk, Raise Your Glass

Recent artist I’m listening to the most:Bob Schneider

Legend I can’t stop listening to:Leonard Cohen

Weirdest group I’ve discovered this year:Shpongle

Maybe this year I’ll ‘live in the now,’ but somehow I doubt it.

Grease is the word for Ned V.

The best album I heard this year has not officially been released. It's East Bay Grease's demos. They are a side project of Drunk Horse and Red Meat. Drunk Horse is one of my favorite bands of all time (from San Francisco); Red Meat has a guitar player who is as good as Clapton. While East Bay Grease does not have a full length yet, they released an EP "Just Head":http://classicbarmusic.com/CBMLibrary/CBMLib003/CBMLib003.cfmReviewed here:

Best cover- very close tie between Jordie Lane and Jen Cloher's 'Electric Feel' and Boy and Bear's cover of 'Fall at your feet' by Crowded HouseBest compilation- David Levithan mix- first editionBest gig- Florence and the Machine- live at the Melbourne Laneway festivalBest festival- Splendour in the Grass

I've spent this past year writing the third installment of the Carter Series (Carter's Unfocused One-Track Mind). Channeling the heartbreak and lust of a fifteen-year-old boy requires a driving rock blues soundtrack, and this was it!

5. 10 Miles Stereo by Beach House4. Little Lion Man by Mumford & Son3. Diplomat’s Son by Vampire Weekend2. Sorrow by The National1. Airplanes by Local Natives

Most Likely to Make My 2010 Most Essential List Retroactively, Because I Picked Up the Album Late in the Year:

Robyn, Body TalkDeerhunter, Halcyon DigestThe Walkmen, Lisbon

Alex R., perfumed like a Genius

This is a tough one, i felt a bit let down in 2010. Favorite acts released albums that I felt on the whole we disappointments (The National, Arcade Fire). So I can think of many albums with merits/great moments, but as an essential whole I can only think of two. So sorry if this listing doesn't really help you in terms of assigning votes/counts. If you're doing this on some kind of points system, 1 point per album except for the top two, who get a bigger weighting.

Super Close Runner-ups:Mumford & Sons, Sigh No MoreTired Pony, The Place We Ran From

Other Essentials:Frightened Rabbit, The Winter of Mixed DrinksBroken Bells, Broken BellsIain Archer, To the Pine Roots (came out in 2009, but been playing it non-stop since I got it a couple months ago)Band of Horses, Infinite ArmsThe National, High VioletBelle and Sebastian, Write About LoveLCD Soundsystem, This is HappeningMGMT, CongratulationsOK Go, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky (while this is my least favorite of OK Go’s albums, still has really good moments)

If I Bought This Album When It Came Out, It May Have Been My Most Essential of 2009, But I’m Sometimes Behind:Florence + The Machine, Lungs

Quite Possibly One of the Greatest Songs of All Time:Cee-Lo’s “F*ck You!”

Terra M. hits a High note

High Violet, The National

They are about all I listened to in 2010 it feels like! Other stuff was just bits and pieces

Maggie S. hits the right Keys

This year was a really good year for music, so this is somewhat annoying to narrow down.

Shit. Best album? crapcrapcrap. Okay. The Black Keys. Brothers. Because anything that can make my Camaro more bad ass deserves it. But I have to say that Wakey!Wakey!'s Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said Last Time I Saw You is a runner up because when a friend's brother's suicide made me silent for weeks, they said what I needed to say.

Other fantastic albums from 2010:1. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More -- I was given this album twice, once by my best friend from college and once by a reader at a signing. Both of them were right. Lovely, understated stuff. Who could've known I'd learn to love a banjo?

2. Broken Bells - Broken Bells -- Aside from some fantastic individual songs from the Shins dude, this album will forever be associated with a fantastic memory of bringing a condescending woman-hater to his knees.

3. Yeasayer - Odd Blood -- Weird as hell. It's like the 80s, but without the white pants.

4. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor -- Great and understated. Drink with a side of Mumford.

I haven’t bought much new music this year so I don’t have anything essential (maybe Robyn will become essential when I finally catch up with her latest compilation…)But to give Broadway some representation, I’ll cast my vote for the cast album of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.

Rhiannon F. speaks because she can

I have two favourite albums of 2010 and they are fairly different from each other :/

Beach House - Teen Dream The first time I heard it, I resigned myself to the fact that I wouldn’t hear anything better all year. Here, Beach House recalls the swanky tones of Getz/Gilberto while moving above and beyond them, to an outer space all their own.The National - High Violet They illuminate every lonely nook of city and country both, with deft lyrics and subtle, potent melodies. I think it's safe to put the word "Treasure" after the band's name now. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs Like the suburbs themselves, this album is sprawling, maudlin, and hard to get out of—I wound up listening to it from its August release, straight through to the end of the year, and it's still not quite through with me. The Chemical Brothers – Further The mere idea of anyone finding a way to keep their sound fresh after over ten years is inspiring, especially in a genre so prone to clunk. "Further" even comes with its own album-length (and appropriately trippy) music video, the better to hypnotize you with.Broken Bells - Broken Bells I am pleased to report that the operation to merge Danger Mouse with James Mercer was a success. On their "Broken Bells" album, one's style complements the other's in surprising ways--such that you don't need to like either artist to enjoy what they've done here together. (If you need proof, and have not heard their song "October" yet, then get thee to an iTunery!)The New Pornographers – Together A.C. Newman, Dan Bejar and Neko Case “form blazing sword” once again, in a band that's even more than the sum of its parts. (And with parts like these, that's really saying something.) Crystal Castles - Crystal Castles The spirit of punk rock is alive in the body of a killer cyborg! Crystal Castles' music is worth every bit of brain it sends through the back of your skull--epic and handmade simultaneously, and truly brutal.Shearwater – The Golden Archipelago Another elemental stunner from Jonathan Meiburg, the choirboy with the bipolar throat. Plus, percussion by Thor. Need I say more? Janelle Monae – The Archandroid Old-school sci-fi fandom meets new-school R&B, the theatricality of Judy Garland meets the adventurousness of Stevie Wonder...Janelle Monae is the venn diagram of so many "awesomes" that it’s impossible not to love her.Wolf Parade - Expo '86 When they are recording as Wolf Parade, Dan Boeckner and Spencer Krug enter the same hopped-up groove for a playdate, and their music practically hurtles. Do not have your blood pressure checked after listening to them, unless you want to prank your doctor.Johnny Flynn – Been Listening Johnny Flynn's voice has personality to spare, shaping every song he sends your way into a story worth hearing. I've been a fan since "A Larum" but this one sealed the deal for me.Clinic – Bubblegum "Bubblegum" continues the evolution of Clinic's woozy trademark sound into something even more mysterious and distinctly theirs. If you haven't heard them in a while, it's time to check back.SPECIAL MENTION...The Knife collaborated with Mt. Sims and Planningrock to produce the score to a Charles Darwin opera, and I'll be dipped in the gene pool if their track "Colouring of Pigeons" was not great workout music!FROM PREVIOUS YEARS...Destroyer This year I decided (finally) to get into Dan Bejar's solo-project-cum-band Destroyer, though needless to say, there was no heavy lifting involved. With the impending release of their Roxy-inspired 2011 album "Kaputt", it's safe to say my ears will belong to them for some time to come. And speaking of Roxy...Roxy Music - Roxy Music Having heard nearly every other one of their albums (save the universally-reviled "Manifesto", which I'll probably like anyway) I settled down to the first, and probably best, in the Roxy canon. Listen to them... Eno and Ferry... Children of the seventies... What music they make...Kent – Rod Sweden's power-pop supergroup has at last perfected the nineties.

Scissors beats rock for Teri Y.

There weren't that many full albums that I really fell in love with in 2010, which is rather unusual. There were a lot more singles that I ended up enjoying.

Singles (in no particular order):The King and All of His Men - Wolf GangPieces of You - Wolf GangJust the Way You Are - Bruno MarsMarry You - Bruno MarsFuck You - Cee Lo GreenTeenage Dream - Glee Cast Version (because the world needs more boys serenading boys)When You Walk in the Room - Fyfe DangerfieldEnd Love - OK GoClub Called Heaven - Black Cards

Most Essential Album of the Year:1. The National, High Violet2. Mumford & Sons, Sigh No More3. Frightened Rabbit, The Winter of Mixed Drinks4. Arcade Fire, The Suburbs5. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, I Learned the Hard Way

Hauschka, Foreign LandscapesBroken Social Scene, Forgiveness Rock RecordArcade Fire, The SuburbsI’d add Sufjan, but I’m still ambivalent about him. Something tells me he’ll be well-represented, anyways. If he needs a tie-breaker, you can pretend I included him at the end of this list.

Top 10 Records on my floor:The Chills--Kaleidoscope World Orchestral Manouevers in the Dark--Architecture and Morality The Orchids--Unholy Soul Nancy Sinatra--Nancy in London Kitchens of Distinction--Gorgeous Love EP The Durutti Column--LC Dislocation Dance--Midnight Shift Altered Images--Pinky Blue Close Lobsters--Foxheads Stalk This Land Fra Lippo LippiOrange Juice, Coals to Newcastle

Jonas walks a lonely Avenue

2010 was only a so-so year for new music for me -- though there are a few near the top that I love.1. Ben Folds/Nick Hornby, Lonely Avenue 2. Ray LaMontagne, God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise 3. Jenny & Johnny, I'm Having Fun Now 4. Matt & Kim, Sidewalks 5. Sarah Harmer, Oh Little Fire 6. Hole, Nobody's Daughter 7. Richard Barone, Glow 8. The Rolling Stones, Exile on Main Street (reissue)9. The New Pornographers, Together 10. Arcade Fire, The Suburbs

Cindy D. thinks you’re not the king of anything

Sara Bareilles. Kaleidoscope Heart

and

Music to drink at the Tiki Bar by:Michael Franti & Spearhead. The Sound of Sunshine.

Essential is such a weighty word. I don’t know if there was any new music last year that felt essential to me. But! Let’s go with: 1. Sufjan Stevens – The Age of Adz (because this was my favorite)2. Robyn – Body Talk Pt. 1 (because this was my favorite to dance to)3. Vampire Weekend – Contra (because this was my favorite to dance to alone in my room)

For me, this year was very much about re-discovering old favorites than it was about downloading new albums. But anyway, here's my 2010 list:

1. Owl City - Ocean EyesI saw the music video for "Fireflies" the other night, and it was my first time hearing Ocean City. I immediately downloaded the full album and fell in love. It's Death Cab meets Hellogoodbye with a little bit of Sherwood adorableness thrown in. The whole album is sort of whimsical and magical, and the music carries this innocence that makes me want to believe in true love and magic.

2. Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroidI was drawn to this first for the song "Tightrope" and then, as I listened to the rest of the album, I was just amazed at the sheer range of styles she uses to tell the stories of her science fiction world.

3. Robyn - Body TalkFun dance music, "Dancing on my Own" is a song I can identify with. 'Nuff said.

4. Katy Perry - Teenage DreamAh, Katy Perry. So inspiring, so fun to listen to and watch. Who else would come up with a Candy Land music video? Or one with fireworks shooting out from her boobs? I joke, but seriously. I really find her music fun.

And that takes care of all the albums I own that came out in 2010. Now, as for old favorites whose awesomeness I rediscovered, I'll give your four of those as well:

1. What Made Milwaukee Famous - Trying to Never Catch UpThey sound so earnest! I'd heard one of their songs years ago and then found it again in a dream, and downloaded the rest of the album along with it. Their music is somewhere between hopeful and sure, with such clear notes of yearning to belong and find comfort with another. This album is magnificent rainy day music, especially if you're traveling. It's thoughtful, and lends itself well to thinking.

2. Ida Maria - Fortress Round My HeartDear gods, I need to be friends with this woman. She crazy. Fun to dance to, and chock full of great anthems - whether it's an anthem for a night ("I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked and I Like Me So Much Better When I'm Naked") or an anthem for a year ("Queen of the World"). I love this band, this album. They will never grow old for me.

3. The Darkness - Permission to LandDo I even really need to explain myself on this one? I don't think I do. Rawesome.

4. Murder By Death - In Bocca Al LupoI love string instruments, but especially I love the cello. It isn't used enough, I don't think. A lot of the songs on this album are incredibly reminiscent of old sea shantys, telling mournful stories of mankind. Wonderful background music, fantastic mood music. I so highly recommend them.

Small caveat: In 2010 I pretty much exclusively listened to Jonny's band (The Loom) and the bands that they played with or are going to play with. I'm not complaining. They played with some kick ass people and I was lucky to see lots of live music in 2010 which is not something I can usually say!

In no particular order:

--Local Natives; Gorilla Manor

--Breathe Owl Breathe; Magic Central (The weirdest, most interesting show I've seen in a long time. The album is pretty darn quirky but I can't stop listening to it on repeat.)

--Rural Alberta Advantage; Hometowns

--First Aid Kit; The Big Black and Blue (The two girls made famous by their youtube video singing Fleet Foxes a capella.)

--Lost in the Trees; All Alone In An Empty House

-Forest City Lovers; Carriage

-The Loom; At Last Light (not yet released); Teeth EP

Nick E. is indestructable

Oh man, there’s a part of me that just wants to give Belle & Sebastian the top slot every time they have something new. But as much as I like the new album, it can’t match Robyn for pop perfection or Sufjan for mad genius. And though Sufjan’s album feels more like, well, an album... it’s Body Talk that’ll still be on my iPod in 5 years. Or wired directly into my brain, if technology allows!

Robyn also gets my vote for best live show of the year (Webster Hall) and best single (Hang with Me).

Ronnie A. likes that Creep…

I only have a couple of best soundtrack choices this year. I don’t know if that says something about me or the movies released this year. Probably both.Red Riding Trilogy1974, Adrian Johnston1980, Dickon Hinchliffe1983, Barrington PheloungThe Ghost Writer, Alexandre DesplatLet Me In, Michael GiaccchinoThe music used in the trailer for The Social Network, Radiohead’s “Creep” by Scala and Kolacny Brothers. Brilliant.

Miscellanea:Best Single on an almost-made-it album: Baby Lee on Teenage Fanclub's Shadows. It's so adorable!Best Single to dance to that I listened to over and over and almost made myself sick of: Dynamite by Taio Cruz (close tie with Britney Spears' Toxic)Worst Song of the year: Bruno Mars' Just the Way You Are. Just typing it makes me sick.Best Dance Single that needs to be more popular and should be downloaded rightaway: Satellite by Lena

Veronica goes West

This is me scrolling through my iPod in 5 minutes and trying to remember which albums were released this year ... hope I'm right!

1. Robyn - Body TalkTough call between numbers 1 and 2. Robyn had some misses, but she is making the most exciting pop music today. I've loved her since I heard "Be Mine!" back in 2005. She made it worth the wait. Best Song: "Dancing On My Own." Duh.

2. Jonsi - GoFlawless--every song. And like Robyn, he was one of the best live shows of 2010. Best Song: "Grow Till Tall" or "Sinking Friendships."

3. Kylie Minogue - AphroditeKylie returns to what she's best at, and every sassy gay strutting down 5th Ave is listening to "Get Outta My Way" (also Best Song).

4. Joanna Newsom - Have One On MeThe thing is, I love (and sort of miss) the less-accessible, more squeaky Joanna of "The Milk-Eyed Mender," but no one can deny this epic album, especially "Good Intentions Paving Company" (Best Song).

5. Beach House - Teen DreamNothing against Katy Perry, but this is the real teen dream. "Norway" got a lot of deserved attention. Close to perfection.

6. Cee Lo Green - The Lady KillerNever has saying "Fuck You" been so fun, but it's his voice on "Old Fashioned" that sealed the deal for me.

8. Laura Veirs - July FlameLike Joanna, she's a poet whose words I linger on long after her songs are over. Best Song: "July Flame."

9. Stars - The Five GhostsNot my favorite album of theirs, but I love them too much to not give them a spot. Plus "We Don't Want Your Body" is way too much fun.

10. Nicki Minaj - Pink FridayListen, I didn't care for this album (there are a few gems, like, say, "I'm The Best"), but everyone should be aware of her mix-tapes, which I listened to enough in 2010 to put her on the Best Of list.

Yay! Now I'm going to go back and listen to each of these albums again and again. :)

1. The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monae2. This Is Happening by LCD Soundsystem3. Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons4. The Winter of Mixed Drinks by Frightened Rabbit5. River Blues by Justin Townes Earle6. Together by The New Pornographers7. The Lady Killer by Cee-Lo8. Body Talk by Robyn9. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Motion Picture Soundtrack by Various Artists10. The Suburbs by Arcade Fire11. Contra by Vampire Weekend12. False Priest by Of Montreal13. How I Got Over by The Roots14. The Guitar Song by Jamey Johnson15. Adrift by The Red Sea Pedestrians

2010 was a great year for music compared to 2009

Sarah D.L. is full of Joy

Robert Plant Band of Joy - because it's a great album and also because I so enjoyed posting the song "You can't buy my love" on a political blog I write for after a certain Republican wrestling executive dropped $50 million of her own money to run for Senate here in CT and LOST.

Anna C. joins the ClubTOKYO POLICE CLUB, "Champ" I didn't like TPC before this, but a 13-hour car ride with just "Champ" to listen to made me a convert. I love so much about this record. It's a fantastic road trip album & is my takealong for going home even after that 13-hour drive, you can dance to it, you can curl up on a cold day with cocoa and listen to it, you can sing it with your friends. My only gripe with them is that I wish the lyrics were better--parts are very accessible, but a lot sounds like a collage of random lines of…journals? Newspaper headlines? I couldn't tell you. But for something with such an accessible tone--the opening "Favourite Food" invites you in with a vulnerable voice & delicate pace, then kicks in for you to dance to--I wish I could understand a little more where they're going with what they're saying with their mixed metaphors, almost-narration then incoherent line collages. But! Aside from that, I love love love love love this record. Hooray!THE RED RIVER, "Little Songs about the Big Picture" I shared the stage with The Red River a few months ago & was immediately swept off my feet by "Milk & Honey," an upbeat, folk-tale singalong (which can be viewed on NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts). The songs on "Little Songs" are nostalgic, honest & precious, without being too precious. They're almost religious, yet very grounded. NPR rated it one of the top 10 of 2010. Rightfully so.SALLIE FORD & THE SOUND OUTSIDE, "Not An Animal EP" Originally from Asheville, NC, the first time I heard Sallie on WNCW I thought the track "Not An Animal" was straight out of the 40s. It's Ella FItzgerald by way of the Blue Ridge Parkway. They have an album due out within the year I believe.ORYX & CRAKE, "Oryx & Crake" Atlanta-based band getting love from Paste among other publications. What I loved about O&C off the bat was the Margaret Atwood reference, but then the way that name & aspects of the book play into the songs--the organic sounds of the singing saw & coffee-grinder (yes, as an instrument)--then the electro elements of the keys & drum loops.JAMISON MURPHY, "Shape & Recollection" Jamison Murphy is 14 years old. He plays an array of instruments, from 6-string guitar to dulcimer to cigar-box instruments handmade by Southern jazz musicians, and incorporates them all into his literature-inspired songs. Homages to the Glass family, Nietzsche, Flannery O'Connor, & Faulkner are penned with a well-rounded understanding & interpretation of, and reflection on, the material. "Shape & Recollection," his second album, shows him growing exponentially as a musician & a writer.